April Cottage, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke

April Cottage is a beautiful Grade II listed home located in the heart of Sherborne St. John, enjoying an enviable position facing the village green. Originally two cottages—this 17th-century property was thoughtfully converted into a single residence in the 1930s. With its distinctive longstraw thatched roof, exposed oak beams, and characterful timber-framed construction, the home offers a rare opportunity to purchase a well-maintained piece of local heritage.

The front door opens into a hallway where a character oak staircase rises to the first floor. To the right, a spacious sitting room offers an L-shaped layout with areas for both relaxing and dining. A large Inglenook fireplace forms a striking focal point, and views over the south-facing garden and green beyond. Just off the sitting room is a quiet study space, ideal for home working, formerly used as the old apple store.

The kitchen is a bright and homely space with windows overlooking both the front and rear gardens. At its heart is an oil-fired AGA—recently updated with new lids, top plates and insulation—set within hand-crafted cupboards, with LED lighting, and space for informal dining. A large utility room sits beyond the kitchen, offering laundry and pantry storage, housing the gas-fired combi boiler, and providing direct access to the garden. The ground floor also includes a stylish family bathroom with slipper bath, Victorian-style radiator, airing cupboard, and traditional fittings.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms arranged off a central landing. Two are generous doubles, each with views over the front garden and green. The larger of the two has a vaulted ceiling and built-in storage. A third single bedroom or dressing room and a shower room complete the first floor.

The house stands within a plot measuring approximately 0.27 acres, with mature gardens wrapping around all sides. The grounds are notable for their terraced lawns, believed to be the remains of ancient earthworks, and include five apple trees, plum, pear, and cherry trees, along with vegetable beds, a potting shed, and a greenhouse. There is also an outside tap.

To the side of the property is a detached double garage, partially divided to provide a separate garden office with electric heating, mains power, and lighting. The main garage also benefits from workbenches, storage, and a separate consumer unit installed in 2019. An additional structure known as the folly, built in traditional style with cob walls and oak frame, is currently used for log storage but offers flexibility for other uses. A treehouse—also constructed in oak with cob walls—adds charm to the garden space.

Modern improvements include Hive-controlled central heating, updated electrics (2018), and LED lighting throughout. 

April Cottage occupies a peaceful setting along a quiet lane, surrounded by other period homes, with a primary school, village shop, pub/restaurant, village hall, and church all within a short walk.